NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto is set to depart for New York tonight to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he will advocate for sweeping reforms to global institutions and champion Africa’s interests on the world stage.
In a statement issued on Friday, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed emphasized the significance of the UNGA as a platform for addressing pressing global challenges, including sustainable development, climate action, and global governance.
President Ruto is expected to call for comprehensive reforms of multilateral institutions, urging the United Nations and other bodies to adapt to the world’s evolving needs.
“At the ‘Summit of the Future’ forum organized by the UN, he will push for a thorough review of the multilateral system, which has struggled to address interconnected crises such as climate change, mounting debt, complex conflicts, and the erosion of democratic governance,” Hussein said.
The President’s central message will focus on ensuring that the proposed ‘Pact for the Future’ fosters a more democratic, transparent, and equitable global order—one that addresses the specific needs of Kenya, Africa, and other developing nations.
In addition to his advocacy for institutional reforms, President Ruto will participate in high-level discussions aimed at bridging the global digital divide, promoting inclusion in the digital economy, and ensuring that emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data governance, are managed in a way that benefits all nations equitably.
President Ruto’s agenda also includes a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders and international organizations to strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic and economic ties.
According to the State House statement, these discussions will focus on enhancing Kenya’s trade relationships, advancing its leadership in climate action, and fostering partnerships in renewable energy and digital innovation.
Ruto is also scheduled to meet United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss Kenya’s role as host of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), ongoing capital projects at the UN’s Nairobi offices, and Kenya’s leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
UNGA 79 offers Kenya a unique platform to push for equitable climate financing and to garner support for key initiatives such as the Nairobi Declaration on the Africa Climate Summit, the African Green Industrialization Initiative, and the African Renewable Energy Strategy.
As a leading African voice, President Ruto’s interventions will reflect the continent’s broader concerns on climate change, financial reforms, and technology governance.
Hussein added that President Ruto will also continue advocating for increased African representation in key global institutions such as the UN Security Council and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with the goal of ensuring that Africa’s interests are not just heard, but acted upon.
